Portable whirlpool device



Aug. 6, 1963 J. v. GUELFI 3,099,986

PORTABLE WHIRLPOOL DEVICE Filed June 19, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENT \9 9 JAMES M GUE (I 7 BY 3 F 2 AT mQMEX 1963 J. v. GUELFI 3,099,986

PORTABLE WHIRLPOOL DEVICE Filed June 19, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. JAMES V. GUELFI jflas/ A TTORA/EX United States Patent 3,099,986 PORTABLE WHIRLPOOL DEVICE James V. Guelfi, 214 91st St., Brooklyn 9, N.Y. Filed June 19, 1962, Ser. No. 203,590 s Claims. cl. 128-66) This invention relates to a whirlpool device and to a method for producing a whirlpool in liquid media for hydrotherapeutic purposes. As .a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a portable whirlpool device adapted for use with air under pressure provided by a domestic vacuum cleaner or the like.

It is known to use liquid circulating devices for producing hydrostatic currents and turbulence within a liquid bath for imparting massaging eflects on a patient submerged in a liquid bath. Generally, such devices require fixed installations which are somewhat complicated in that they require the use of plumbing fixtures and usually are expensive. In addition, such devices are not too convenient for individuals who desire to take self treatment at home in that the presence of an attendant is usually required. Moreover, since many devices utilize electrical attachments, such as motors or the like, it is not considered safe for one sitting in a tub to operate devices of that type.

One of my objects is to provide a portable hydrotherapy device of relatively small weight and bulk cap able of being used in an ordinary bath tub, sink, container, or the like, without requiring the use of special fixtures.

Another object is to provide a whirlpool device simple in construction and capable of being used in conjunction with the exhaust end of a domestic vacuum cleaner or any other source of compressed air.

A still further object is to provide a simple method for inducing via an air stream a whirlpool eifect in water with the aim of inducing hydro-massaging of a selected portion of a persons body.

These and other objects will more clearly appear when taken in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an explosive view of one embodiment of my device as seen in perspective;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with the cover removed;

FIG. 2A is a partial view similar to FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing a preferred configuration of the orifices shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 4 shows the device when used in conjunction with abath tub.

The beneficial effects of hydrotherapy baths are readily appreciated in that this form of hydro-massaging when controlled is gentle and is capable of being applied to patients who are under great pain. The massaging effect of water currents serves to stimulate the patients skin, nerves, body and muscular tissues more comfortably than is possible with the well known manual massaging techniques. However, the use of water circulating devices can have their limitations in that vigorous whirlpool currents based on churning water itself can at times be uncomfortable to the individual immersed in the water. It is known that a whirlpool based on a mixture of water and air, even when vigorously applied has a more gentle stimulating eflect upon a persons body.

My device is unique in that it enables the production of a whirlpool effect based on an air and water mixture without requiring the recirculation of any of the water in the tub. Broadly, my invention comprises providing a perforated cylindrical surface which is maintained against a body of liquid, and then directing a stream of proximately the same ice towards and along said cylindrical surface whereby to cause the fluid to pass through the perforations in a subdivided state and mix with the body of liquid to form a swirling flow of air and water around and away from said cylindrical surface.

Referring to FIG. 1, an explosive view of one embodiment of my device is shown as comprising a cylindrical housing 1 having a top 2 and a bottom 3. The top may comprise a removable cover of the type shown adapted to be fastened to the housing via a threaded post 4 which extends from bottom 3 and passes through opening 5 of cover or top 2 which is fastened to the housing via knurled nut 6. Alternatively, the cover may be threaded internally at its flange and screw fitted to the cylindrical housing similarly threaded to receive the cover.

The cylindrical surface 7 of the housing has a plurality of orifices 8 distributed therealong, preferably configurated to allow fluid to flow out of the housing along a path adapted to create a swirling action around the housing in a body of fluid into which the housing is immersed. Preferably, though not necessarily, the configuration of the orifices should be such that the axis of each orifice when extended should be approximately tangential to the cylindrical surface. By approximately tangential, I mean that the axis of each orifice, when extended, will either appear to form a tangent with the cylindrical surface (note FIG. 2) or intersect the cylindrical surface chordally near the periphery .as shown in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2, orifices 8a and 8b are shown with axes X and Y, respectively, substantially tangential to cylindrical surface 7. In FIG. 2A, which is a partial view of the cylindrical surface, axis Z of orifice 8c intersects cylindrical surface 7 chordally near the periphery so that the flow of fluid along the inner wall as shown by the arrows, emerges from the orifice as a stream approximately tangential to the convex side of the cylindrical surface, thereby causing a swirling action in the outer region surrounding the housing.

As shown in FIG. 1, an inlet nozzle or pipe 9 is prolluid, such as air,

vided connected to the housing substantially tangential to cylindrical surface 7, the nozzle opening into the annular space between cylindrical baflle 10 and the cylindrical surface. The orifices in the surface of the housing are preferably, though not necessarily, arranged in predetermined groups around the cylindrical surface, each group defining a portion of a helical path of appitch with each other (note dot and dash line 33 of FIG. 1 through which the partial section of FIG. 3 is taken).

Means 11 in the form of suction cups are provided for fixing the device to the bottom of a bath tub filled with water (note FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). The end 12 of nozzle or pipe 9 is adapted for receiving a flexible hose through which compressed air is driven into the annular space of the device and caused to emerge from orifices 8 in a swirling motion and mix with the surrounding water to produce a whirlpool elfect comprising an intimate mixture of air bubbles and water.

While the results of the invention can be achieved to some extent without a baflle, I prefer using cylindrical baffle 10 concentrically located with respect to the cylindrical surface of the housing, as I find that the annular spaced thus formed insures maintaining the flow of air adjacent the cylindrical surface and out through the orifices in the manner desired. For best results, the width of the annular space should be less than the diameter of inlet nozzle 9, so that the air flowing into the annular space from nozzle 9 will be caused to crowd into the space by deflection off the baffle and against the perforated cylindrical surface.

I find that by arranging the orifices in groups each corresponding to a portion of a helical path of approximately the same pitch, {I obtain a controlled uniform the legs of a person seated in whirlpool effect in the water. To insure substantially uniform dispersion of air bubbles in the water, it is preferred that each orifice be configurated with a lip projecting inwardly of the housing. This preferred aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 3 which is a section taken along line. 3-3 of FIG. 1. Each orifice is shown characterized by a lip 13. which projects. inwardly of cylindrical surface 7. As air is whirled along the inner surface, theinwardly projecting lips of the orifices catch portions of, the air and cause them to be ejected from the housing into the surrounding water as finely dispersed bubbles.

Inconjunction with the inwardly projecting lips, the orifices may also be provided with outwardly projecting lips 14- as. a further aid inv guiding the emitted stream of air approximately tangentially to the cylindrical surface.

In using the device, it. need merely be placed in bath tub 15 (note FIG. 4) and firmly fixed to the bottom thereof via suction cups 11. A flexible hose 16 is connected to. nozzle 9 at its end 12 and the opposite end of the hose connected to. the exhaust portion of a vacuum cleaner (not shown) by any suitable coupling device. The. compressed air emitted by the vacuum cleaner is caused to enter the housing of the device and emerge in a swirling path as indicated by the arrows. In the position shown, the. device would be located between the tub. Or, if desired, the ,device can be placed near the rear of the tub behind a. persons hack, assuming that area of the body is to. be treated.

Testsv have shown the device to be particularly useful in treatingpainful joints, muscles, and the like. Apparently, because of the vigous swirling of the finely divided in the Water, a gentle. pulsating effect Obtained against the. area of' the body being treated which appears to. aid in massaging and relieving pain in the distressed area.

As is. apparent, the invention provides a simply constructed portable whirlpool device comprising an enclosed cylindrical housing having a plurality of fluidejection, orifices distributed along its. cylindrical surface and an inlet. nozzle or pipe connected substantially tangentially to an opening into. the housing arranged to directa. stream of fluid" into the housing towardsand along the cylindrical surface thereof. While thefluid directed into the housing is preferably air, it will be appreciated that water may similarly be passed therethrough either alone or together with. air.

While the present invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from. the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1'. A portable hydrotherapeutic device comprising a housing of substantially cylindrical configuration defining a substantially annular passageway for conducting a fluid, a plurality of fluid-ejection orifices distributed along the surface of said housing, said orifices being so oriented as to cause fluid to exit therefrom in a swirling motion around the housing, and an inlet nozzle connected to and. merging substantially tangentially. with the surface of said housing for projecting fluidfwithin the annular passageway for ejection through saidorifices, the width of'said inlet nozzle being greater than the width of the purview and; scope of the invention and '4 annular passageway, said inlet nozzle being adapted to direct fluid along the surface of said housing.

2. A portable hydrotherapeutic device comprising a cylindrical housing, a top and bottom enclosing said housi-ng, a plurality of fluid-ejection orifices distributed along the cylindrical surface of said cylindrical housing, said orifices being so oriented as to cause fluid to exit therefrom in a swirling motion around the cylindrical surface of the housing, a cylindrical bafile concentrically located within the housing to provide an annular pathway between it and the cylindrical surface for fluid flow within the housing and an inlet nozzle connected to the cylindrical surface of the housing for projecting fluid within the housing for ejectionv through saidorifices, said inlet nozzle being arranged to direct fluid along the cylindrical surface of the housing.

3'. A portable hydrotherapeutic device comprising a cylindrical housing, ing, a plurality of air ejection orifices distributed along the cylindrical surface of said cylindrical housing, said orifices being oriented so that their axes are at least approximately tangential to said cylindrical surface, a cylindrical bafiie concentrically located within the housing whereby an annular pathway for air flow is provided between the bafiie and said cylindrical surface, and an inlet nozzle connected to the cylindrical surface of the housing for projecting air within the housing for ejection through said orifices, said inlet nozzle entering the housing substantially tangential, to the. cylindrical surface thereof.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein each of said orifices is characterized by a lip which projects inwardlyof said housing.

51 The device of claim 4, wherein the orifices are arranged inpredeterm-ined groups along said cylindrical surface, each group defining a portion of a helical path of approximately the same pitch.

6 A portable hydrotherapeutic device comprising a cylindrical housing, a. top and bottom enclosing said housing, a plurality of air; ejection orifices. distributed along the cylindrical surface of said. cylindrical housing, said orifices being oriented so that their axes are at least approximately tangential. to said cylindrical surface, a cylindrical baffle concentrically located within the housing whereby an annular pathway for flow is provided between said baflle and said cylindrical surface, an inlet nozzle connected to the cylindrical surface of the housing for projecting air within the housing for ejection through said orifices, the diameter of said inlet nozzle being greater than the width of said annular pathway, said nozzle entering the housing substantially tangential to the cylindrical surface thereof, and means associated with said device for maintaining said device submerged in a liquid.

'7. The device of claim 6, wherein each of said orifices is characterized by a lip which projects inwardly of said housing.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the orifices are arranged in predetermined groups along said cylindrical surface, each group defining a portion of a helical path of appnoximately the same pitch.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITEDv STATES PATENTS 1,119,615 Lafkowitz Dec. 1, 1914 1,482,408 Piron Feb. 5, 1924 3,043,296 11113 110, 1962 a top and bottom enclosing said hous- 

1. A PORTABLE HYDROTHERAPEUTIC DEVICE COMPRISING A HOUSING OF SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION DEFINING A SUBSTANTIALLY ANNULAR PASSAGEWAY FOR CONDUCTING A FLUID, A PLURALITY OF FLUID-EJECTION ORIFICES DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING, SAID ORIFICES BEING SO ORIENTED AS TO CAUSE FLUID TO EXIT THEREFROM IN A SWIRLING MOTION AROUND THE HOUSING, AND AN INLET NOZZLE CONNECTED TO AND MERGING SUBSTANTIALLY TANGENTIALLY WITH THE SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING FOR PROJECTING FLUID WITHIN THE ANNULAR PASSAGEWAY FOR EJECTION THROUGH SAID ORIFICES, THE WIDTH OF SAID INLET NOZZLE BEING GREATER THAN THE WIDTH OF THE ANNULAR PASSAGEWAY, SAID INLET NOZZLE BEING ADAPTED TO DIRECT FLUID ALONG THE SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING. 